A simple method for cytotoxicity studies of non-hydrosoluble substances. Possible application as an alternative to the Draize test for cosmetics and toiletries

By Boue-Grabot, M. - Halaviat, B. - Francois Pinon, J.

The use of a microporous membrane as an interface between a cell culture and a substance dissolved into a non-aqueous, non-cytotoxic medium made it possible to study the cytotoxicity of non-hydrosoluble substances, without addition of any adjuvant for dispersion or solubilisation. The LC50s of raw materials widely used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products were established on skin human fibroblasts. This method was used for the study of cosmetics and toiletries which could be tested directly in their actual galenic forms. A relationship between exposure time and cytotoxicity was established for 50 products and a cytotoxicity index was calculated. The results were compared with those of the Draize irritation test on the rabbit eye. This comparison showed a very good correlation between the calculated cytotoxicity index and the ocular irritation index (p < 0.001). From the results of this preliminary study, it appears that the method could provide an alternative to animal studies on the ocular tolerance of cosmetics and toiletries.